Best-Case Rookie Season Scenarios For R.J. Hunter
Mar 21, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia State Panthers guard R.J. Hunter (22) reacts with his father Panthers head coach Ron Hunter as he leaves the game against the Xavier Musketeers in the second half of a game in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Xavier defeated Georgia State, 75-67. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics were not known for their three-point shooting last year. The Celtics made 8 of 25 three-point shots on average. Not exactly GSW-type numbers. And in a league going in the direction of small-ball and running/chucking/gunning, the Celtics need to improve in that department.
Jan 22, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) makes a shot during the fourth quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
One major step forward, was the move Danny Ainge and the crew made by drafting R.J. Hunter. The Georgia State grad can do one thing great, and that is shoot the rock –
That is some unlimited range. The only other players I have seen with that range have been Stephen Curry and Jimmer Fredette. Two opposite career paths as of now, Jimmer and Steph both can shoot the lights out. But despite the downside of a Jimmer-type career, the reward was well worth the risk considering Hunter is 6’6 and has shown the possibility of being more than just a shooter.
For his rookie season, Hunter is up against a roster that currently has more than 16+ guaranteed contracts. Seven of those contracts, belonging to guards. So, if he doesn’t want to end up like James Young in the D-League, Hunter is going to have to get some lucky breaks:
The Injury Bug Is Going To Have To Get Somebody
-With all the depth on the roster as of now, the only way Hunter is going to play more than ten minutes a game, is if the injury bug bites one or two of the plethora of Celtics’ guards. For Hunter, his best bet is if Bradley is the one who gets bitten. If that happens, he will get to showcase his ability to not only shoot the three, but be a capable passer and ball-handler.
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You Gotta Play D for Coach B
-Coach Brad Stevens has made it perfectly clear…if you don’t play MEAN defense, you will not get minutes. Despite Hunter’s “frail” stature compared to most NBA-ers, Hunter has a long wingspan and did a decent job defending in the Vegas Summer League.
Hunter Will Have To Go 110% On And Off The Court
-In order to play regular minutes in the NBA, you need talent, the approval of your teammates, and dedication. Our rookie has already displayed some early leadership. Hunter impressed the team by declining a ESPY’s invite to be with his teammates in the NBA Summer League. That shows he is committed to the green. But where he will really make his mark is if he can prove to the Celtics leaders that he can compete and lead by example in practices, games, and outside the hardwood. If Hunter can get the approval of guys like Smart, Sully, and Crowder, then we should be seeing him on the court a lot more often than we saw last year’s rookie, James Young.